Disappointed

[makler]

I bought my 2002 used with 34000 miles. In the year that I have owned the car I have had to replace the alternator and battery, the top broke (not sure if it’s the cables or transmission yet), the ignition switch seems to have a problem, and my keyless entry transmitter needs to be replaced. When you add it all up, the car is probably going to cost me $3000+ in repairs, not to mention normal maintenance such as brakes. Is this typical? Are there any other problems that are waiting to kill me? And when should I start worrying about the clutch?

I am wondering if it’s best just to get rid of the thing. If it weren’t so fun to drive, I would have ditched the car months ago. I would not get close to what I paid, but at least the bleeding would stop…

[Perfectlap]

what would you replace the Boxster with?

by the way, what letter does your VIN # start with?

[makler]

The VIN starts with W.

Not sure what I would get. Probably a small SUV.

[aeh123]

but would any other car that cost 20 or so thousand make you feel like a million? mine does and for that i will accept the somewhat high cost of ownership. if you want reliable and bland own a honda civic. you will miss the looks of envy.

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by makler

I bought my 2002 used with 34000 miles. In the year that I have owned the car I have had to replace the alternator and battery, the top broke (not sure if it’s the cables or transmission yet), the ignition switch seems to have a problem, and my keyless entry transmitter needs to be replaced. When you add it all up, the car is probably going to cost me $3000+ in repairs, not to mention normal maintenance such as brakes. Is this typical? Are there any other problems that are waiting to kill me? And when should I start worrying about the clutch?

I am wondering if it’s best just to get rid of the thing. If it weren’t so fun to drive, I would have ditched the car months ago. I would not get close to what I paid, but at least the bleeding would stop…

These cars aren't for everyone. Selling is a decision that will be up to you.

Also, some of these cars have lived a harder life than others and more things will wear out if it's been abused. You may have one that's going to need more attention than the norm. I would suggest that if you're concerned about the price of repair that you start to work on the car yourself or at the least find a good mechanic who charges reasonable rates.

[xclusivecar]

Originally Posted by makler

I bought my 2002 used with 34000 miles. In the year that I have owned the car I have had to replace the alternator and battery, the top broke (not sure if it’s the cables or transmission yet), the ignition switch seems to have a problem, and my keyless entry transmitter needs to be replaced. When you add it all up, the car is probably going to cost me $3000+ in repairs, not to mention normal maintenance such as brakes. Is this typical? Are there any other problems that are waiting to kill me? And when should I start worrying about the clutch?

I am wondering if it’s best just to get rid of the thing. If it weren’t so fun to drive, I would have ditched the car months ago. I would not get close to what I paid, but at least the bleeding would stop…

This is the exact reason many of us try the DIY route. Dealerships will rape your wallet and yet MANY of the problems with the Boxster can be fixed very easily in your garage with basic hand tools and a bit of guts!

Otherwise I would say that yes, many of your problems are fairly typical...and if you DIY would cost only $600 or so to correct. Since your gonna put some money into the car you may as well keep it and enjoy it a bit and get ready to replace your O2 sensors, MAF, coolant reservoir tank, valve cover gaskets, and cv boots next year!

[makler]

Originally Posted by xclusivecar

This is the exact reason many of us try the DIY route. Dealerships will rape your wallet and yet MANY of the problems with the Boxster can be fixed very easily in your garage with basic hand tools and a bit of guts!

Otherwise I would say that yes, many of your problems are fairly typical...and if you DIY would cost only $600 or so to correct. Since your gonna put some money into the car you may as well keep it and enjoy it a bit and get ready to replace your O2 sensors, MAF, coolant reservoir tank, valve cover gaskets, and cv boots next year!

Your right. DIY is much cheaper. I just bought the top cables for around $60 for both. The dealer wanted $75.00 each. Oh well, guess I should buy the Bentley book and get to work...

[porsche986spyder]

Originally Posted by makler

Your right. DIY is much cheaper. I just bought the top cables for around $60 for both. The dealer wanted $75.00 each. Oh well, guess I should buy the Bentley book and get to work...

There is also a Haynes manual I think..

[jhandy]

I have a 2002 S with 30000 miles and have had all of the same issues. I got an extended warrenty until 10 years 100000 miles for 2800$ and a 100$ deductable. I dont care if the engine blows.

so far that has been replaced:
2 RMS
Valve cover gaskets three times
Plug tube seals twice
horn
passanger side window motor
complete top
ignition switch
remotes in the keys
rear passanger wheel bering
disks all four (they cracked arond the holes)
alternator
battery

For a total cost of ZERO$$.

If you can spend 50,000$ on a car- then spend the 3000$ more for complete peace of mind.
Just my 2 cents,
James

[funster]

I have a 2002 Boxster s that I bought with 39K and in the last 8,000 miles, I've had only one problem, the turn signal lever won't go back to the off position when the turning is done. Maybe someone else fixed all that other stuff before I got it, I don't know. On the bright side, after you've fixed all of those things, you won't have to worry about them anymore and you can just enjoy your car!